College Football

Talking Miami Hurricanes Football With Recruiting Guru Larry Bluestein

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 8:43 p.m. ET

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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback Brad Kaaya (15) attempts a pass against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the second half at Camping World Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Larry Blustein Follow @larryblustein from Bluestein Recruiting is the unequivocal pulse and recruiting guru in all of South Florida. His knowledge and passion for football extends over many decades.Blustein is a member of the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame, He has been a charismatic and recognizable fixture among South Florida high school sidelines for decades.I caught up with the local legend to get his take on the incoming 2017 Miami Hurricane class and beyond. We initially started reminiscing on an era not too long ago where he was instantly able to recall my 1996 measurables (I played Quarterback at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale) and former teammates with surgical precision.His memory impressive, considering by his own admission he watches over 100 games a year and approximately 6 teams on one given Friday night. Ultimately we focused our attention to the Hurricane’s recently signed class and his thoughts moving forward into 2018.Who do you think could potentially start from the 2017 class?“Corey Gaynor obviously. I also think the East St Louis Wide Receiver Jeff Thomas plays. Look if you could find a way to start him opposite of Ahmmon Richards or in the slot that would obviously benefit the Miami Hurricane offense. The offensive line was one of the best if not (the) best offensive line classes the Miami Hurricane’s have ever signed……I think from that line Navaughn Donaldson also has a chance to play early. He’s just so athletically gifted. Mike Harley is another kid I can see play early. Look, I’ve seen the guy run by some of the fastest kids on the field. I could very easily see Harley being utilized on wrinkle type plays like Jet Sweeps.”Next: Incoming Recruits, Freshman QB's and Who Will the Starting QB Be? Jan 2, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Team Highlight’s Jack Allison drops to throw during the first half of the 2016 Under Armour All-American Game against Team Armour at Orlando Citrus Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports You’ve been on record saying that Corey Gaynor is the most underrated recruit. Would you like to elaborate on that?“The most underrated and undervalued recruit over the last three years is Corey Gaynor. He’s very athletic. As a freshman at one of our camps we had Corey Gaynor clocked at a 4.9 in the forty. Corey also went to a USF camp and was rated the highest graded offensive lineman in three years. I’ve literally seen him line up across from defenders and start toying with them. Corey is a big kid and his dad is big guy like 6’5″ and he plays mean. If you beat him the meaner and meaner he gets. People need to realize Minnesota coveted Gaynor like a five star and their fans’ reactions proved it when he de-commited. And while many people wanted to describe Gaynor as a sleeper, he was rated in my top 20 all along.”What is your take on the incoming quarterbacks N’kosi Perry and Cade Weldon? Who is the Miami Hurricane starting quarterback in 2017?“N’kosi Perry is more apt to be a Lamar Jackson type. Perry is definitely a three and out type kid. Perry has this play-making ability where he can just make things happen. Similarly I could recall times when (former Florida State star and current Detroit Lion) Anquan Boldin would hold off defenders with one arm and throw the ball down field.I could see a situation where Perry could be used situationally this year. Weldon is a Tampa Jefferson product that is deceptively fast. Weldon is a big strong kid. I really like Weldon as a QB. Weldon has to be 800 yards in front because he enrolled early and starts in the lead.“And the starting quarterback for Miami in 2017 is Jack Allison. Allison has to be eight miles ahead being in the system for a year and a half. You have to figure Allison’s confidence is through the roof being in the system that long.”Next: Priority Recruiting Targets and Discussing Mark RichtWho are priority targets for the Miami Hurricanes in 2018?“(Miami Southridge Wide Receiver Mark) Pope is one. (Miami Columbus Cornerback Joshua) Jobe is about as physical safety you are going to see. And I think if Miami can continue to show love for James Cook they could potentially steal Cook from FSU.The last time you saw two five star running backs taken was when USC took Allen Bradford and Joe McKnight. FSU is stacked at running back right now and with Walton potentially leaving for the NFL this year, Cook can find early playing time.”What is your opinion of coach Richt thus far? How is he different than previous staffs in terms of community ties, relationships, communication?“I liked Al Golden I thought he did some good things. Richt right now has the benefit of winning. Won a bowl game. Came in with a ton of respect from the University of Georgia. He has that magic about him.Richt is huge into the family thing and community as well. Richt will finish spring ball and immediately hit the parks this summer. I cannot begin to tell you how impressive and important that is. For Richt to be going into these communities so early on, these kids literally get to say, “Hey look! That’s the Miami Coach.”Next: Wrapping it up with BluOK Blu. I can take it. Tell it to me straight. Who is the best quarterback in St. Thomas Aquinas history? It was me right? “I’d have to go with Jake Rudock. I mean there is a reason he’s on an NFL roster right? I mean you were athletic and I remember telling Coach Spencer that you got small when you threw the football. You almost squatted down like were a pitcher. Didn’t you go on to play pro baseball?OK so I’ll admit that wasn’t the answer I was looking for in that last question. And for the record I do squat like a pitcher when I load up to throw the football. But the local legend has the memory of an elephant, a heart for kids and his knowledge for all things south Florida recruiting rivals no one. So who am I to argue with his assessments?Next: The Miami Hurricanes Great MakeoverBlustein is a key follow for Miami recruiting. No one has their pulse on the South Florida Prep scene as much as he does. Blustein was among the featured guests on National Signing Day on the Hurricanes flagship station WQAM.More from Canes WarningMiami Hurricanes Hold Off Virginia Tech Late1 h agoThe Miami Hurricanes Great Makeover2h agoMiami Hurricanes 2017 Recruiting Class Roundtable Part II22h agoMiami Hurricanes Demetrius Jackson Named to NCAA Autonomy Committee1 d agoFour Miami Hurricanes Named Academic All-ACC1 d agoThis article originally appeared on